Welcome to the June edition of Elite Soccer, and my first foreword as LMA Chair, a position I am honoured to assume, succeeding Howard Wilkinson who carried out his role with distinction for over three decades.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to give something back to the LMA and thrilled to introduce this issue with some particularly fascinating and useful sessions to inform your coaching practice.

Steven Gerrard is one of the finest English players of recent years and as a young manager has already enjoyed distinctive and international experiences. His session focuses on how to break the opposition’s press, no matter how they set up.

Interim Sunderland manager Mike Dodds explores how to create transition in and out of possession for individuals, units and both teams - crucial in the modern game.

Lee Johnson looks at how to solve problems as a defending team, encouraging players to stay compact and on the front foot while remaining aware of their opponents’ positioning and movement.

Aston Villa academy coach Gerard Nash looks at how to improve speed and precision of touch and passing through a variety of drills.

And West Brom goalkeeping coach Chris Butler provides a detailed session on how to develop the spread technique in your goalkeepers, which will help them improve their decision-making in competitive matches.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Elite Soccer and can utilise some of these shared ideas in your own practice.